B5 - Databases x Construction

Databases are systems that can store large quantities of information in a singular place, or more formally, a collection of information which is easily accessible and organized, managed and kept up to date. Databases are already utilized in some way, shape, or form in the construction industry, even if they aren’t specifically termed “Databases.” As with any industry or any company, all information must be stored, whether it be past projects, industry contacts, cost data, or even plan templates. This of course was done with physical copies of this data, where large, full size plans were kept and notes were taken for the next designer or engineer to use for reference. However, as technology advances, the way information is stored must develop as well.

The information stored in databases can most easily be organized like a spreadsheet, with rows and columns that have the ability to hold various types and quantities of data, while still being updatable. Each database is useful to and for different people and things, and within a construction company, there can be many applications. For instance, construction companies can have internal databases, where past project information (such as plans, coordination, notes), company information (such as policies, agendas, employee info), and presentation information (such as templates, letterheads, procedures) can be stored. Construction companies will also deal with external databases, where current and future project information, vendor lists, and product specifications can be stored.

Storing data like these in databases is helpful from an organizational standpoint. The user knows what they need and what database to search in. Often, database results can be queried or filtered to make finding the information required even easier. Databases are even more valuable because of the ability to put the database online. External databases can be accessed by anyone at any time, even have multiple users at once, because it is open to the public. Internal company databases may not be open to the public, but are most often than not put on the cloud, that is, internet based data storage. This means that a database does not need to be downloaded onto one’s personal computer or onto a flash drive to be saved or stored. This makes sharing and access either between companies or within a company extremely simple.

Source: https://sitemate.com/us/resources/articles/construction/construction-database/

Responses

Madeline,

With today's technology and the pace at which we are moving, I think it would be really difficult to get anywhere as a design firm without integrating the use of databases. I like how you tied collaboration and databases together, what would the point be if all this stored information could not be shared? Also, your Augmented Reality example is something that makes complete sense, but I would have never thought that the components that go into AR are themselves databases. Goes to show how applicable and essential databases truly are.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b5-walker-elders-databases-in-design.html

Amanda,

From someone who has never heard of Object-oriented databases, you really broke this concept down well. It seems much more complicated than general databases, which at their simplest form are just spreadsheets, but more worthwhile, especially from a saving and sharing standpoint. It makes sense that OODBs aid on the interoperability front.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b5-object-oriented-databases_8.html

Mika,

I have never heard of SQL or NoSQL before, so I appreciate the concise way that you broke the two down. From my understanding, the only benefit to using NoSQL is that it is better at handling large data sizes. Is there ever a time where you would use NoSQL for a basic database, or is it simply more beneficial to stick with SQL because it is easier to learn and apply? It seems like not only is SQL really valuable in data management, but also as a general skill that can be applied to various fields.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b5-mika-awai-sql-in-databases.html

B4 - Generative Design

I will be working with Dane Bell on a paper about generative design. We touched on generative design a bit in class, but mostly in the guest lecture from last week from Kayleigh Houde. Generative design is similar to parametric design, with which we are more familiar with, that is assigning parameters to the design so that the computer can fill in the design within the constraints. This is different from computational design or traditional design, where every component is designed individually. In traditional design, the user must take it upon themselves to think of various design options; they definitely cannot come up with ALL the options. Generative design utilizes algorithms, where a computer can definitively come up with all the designs that fit the constraints or parameters applied, often including a cost parameter as well.

Generative design can be applied to many fields and industries, but we will be focusing on mechanical engineering--that is, mechanics, manufacturing, 3D printing-- and architecture--that is, building design, construction, intelligent buildings. Generative design and efficiency go hand-in-hand. Since the computer can determine which are the best models that fit our constraints, there is less time needed to revise and revisit options. Coupled with 3D printing, complex models can be developed on a small scale. Generative design also has the opportunity to revolutionize the architecture and construction industry. As design is refined through parametric/generative methods, the door is opened to new ideas never thought of before. On the microscale, objects like furniture can be optimized with generative design to determine the best way to incorporate size, shape, and cost of material into a singular design. On the macroscale, whole office buildings can be optimized to determine the best locations for desks, meeting spaces, and entrances to allow for the best, most natural layout of the place. Of course, this shouldn’t take away the creativity of the designer. If the designer realizes that the most optimal design that the computer has chosen does not fit the intended use or function of the object or space, design expertise must still be applied. The hope is that generative design can be used as a tool to aid and inspire new designs and ways of approaching problems.

Respones:

Spencer, 

I like that your topic directly relates to your field of interest. It makes what you are doing that much more worthwhile. From someone who knew very little about BIM, the clash detection feature is something that I think is fascinating. Interoperability is crucial to efficiency, and moving various models from one platform to the next is a waste of effort sometimes. I hope you are able to figure out a good way to make the transition more seamless, or at the very least, learn some things along the way!

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b4-automation-of-clash-detection-report.html

Abigail,

Robots in the construction industry in the capacity you have described is something I have never thought of before. Having actual robots construct actual buildings seems tricky. Like Spencer said above, the code must be flawless, or else something could go very wrong. I think that there would still really need to be a certain level of human interaction with the robot builders since as of right now, humans with proper experience and training are the only ones that would know if something is being done incorrectly, even though blueprints or plans may say otherwise. However, I guess with technological advances and AI, robots are learning, not just being told what to do. 

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b4.html

Isabel,

I believe that sensors and building management systems are key to an intelligent building. Intelligent buildings are not just about how the structure is built, but how it interacts with the world around it and satisfies the users' needs as well. If sensors can tell when to increase/decrease the temperature based on (1) what the user wants, (2) what temperature already exists within the structure, (3) the outside environment (natural heat from the sun or cooling from the shade), and potentially even (4) costs of energy, that would truly be an intelligent building. I am excited to see what you come up with!

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b4-how-intelligent-building-technology.html

Group E - Week 4 Discussion

Overall, our group decided that AutoCAD and Sketchup are helpful in producing rough drafts, then ultimately using them as references to create a more comprehensive, polished final product in Revit. That's not to say that this is Revit's only use, though. 3D visualization is vastly helpful. Minute details, such structural member connections, are easier to view in 3D in Revit than in 2D in AutoCAD. Revit makes section cuts easier once the geometry is in place. In summary, Revit combines many of the best features of other drafting programs into a comprehensive 3D modeling software.

B3 - Revit x AutoCAD

Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) is a concept that emerged in the 1960s. The 2D design software did away with manual drafting and made making calculations, visualizing design and working a lot faster and easier. CAD was first only utilized by those who knew how to program computers, so hand calculations and designs were still completed during the transition period, but by the 1990s, most companies were implementing CAD and engineers were tasked with learning and using it. AutoCAD and Revit are two major platforms for computer aided drafting and are very similar programs, though often used in different ways.

AutoCAD, under AutoDesk, has been around for a while. It was first demonstrated and released in 1982 and was the first CAD program to run as a desktop app on microcomputers that did not require the use of mainframe computers to run. Since AutoCAD was one of the first, it remains a known name in the industry. I was taught AutoCAD my freshman year at Drexel and used it a lot during my first co-op. Certain companies in the transportation industry require the use of one CAD software over another, so we were required to use AutoCAD for the projects we were working on, even though the versions had kinks.

Revit was developed in 2000 and was actually acquired by AutoDesk, the same company that runs AutoCAD, in 2002. It is different from AutoCAD’s 2D interface because Revit is made for 3D modeling.  Additionally, Revit has the capability to track information throughout the structures’ life cycles and is a great companion to BIM software. My industry does not utilize Revit as much, as far as I know. Highway and roadway design work is mostly done in 2D with cross sections that would show a third direction. Revit and programs like it seems to be integral to the architecture industry.

Many companies and engineers themselves often vouch for AutoCAD over other programs because it is easier to continue using something that you have always been working with, especially if there is nothing inherently wrong or bad about using it. I had coworkers who told me they did not want to learn a newer version of AutoCAD, and refused to work with it until they had to. Although I have never used Revit in the industry for a complete project, using it to complete my assignment for this class proved Revit to be simple, user-friendly, and intuitive. I immediately felt comfortable with using the program. If engineers were simply more open to embracing change, better programs can be utilized, especially Revit and its connectability to BIM.

Comments:

Michael,
You are totally right to bring up lack of continuity in the industry for programs like these. The fact that there is no industry standard makes it so complicated to share files, plans, and develop models across the USA or even in one's state. It is easier for companies to keep doing what they have been doing for years and say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but like you said, the benefits of converting to program like Revit or BIM outweigh the desire to remain using the same program.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-current-problems-with-revitbim.html

Stephen,
I remember having issues in AutoCAD where the model would take several minutes to load and will often be an un-updated file. We also had to run files through a converter sometimes if the format was from an older version of AutoCAD. Synchronization issues are truly annoying and cost time and money to fix. If there was a way to make the files "smarter," such as saving automatically after a certain period of time or being able to match versions with another, it would be a  lifesaver.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b3-current-issues-with-bim-stephen.html

Michael,
I tend to forget that virtual reality can be used in a productive sense, rather than just in gaming. The ability to view a 3D model right before your eyes is revolutionary. Think of how that would change teaching: you could see how a beam deflects under loads and how that would look in the bigger picture, you could walk through a building to check if everything looks okay before even thinking of construction. I love the idea of making changes in real time through VR, it would save a lot of time to do so.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/future-of-bim.html

B2: Elvira-Marie Mikhael

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a new way to digitally model any type of construction, while including important details that may not have been able to be done in one file before. I was tasked with reading Chapter 6: BIM for Contractors, which went into how BIM is best utilized in the contracting industry. I personally did not know much about BIM at all, but after reading this chapter, I have gained a lot of information about how the technology is growing, how efficient and multifaceted it is, and how to effectively incorporate it into the construction process.

The parts I found most interesting about BIM is the 3D aspect. The 3D aspect of BIM includes Visualization and Coordination through clash detection. Class detection, which BIM completes automatically in most cases, can identify design errors, which can come from inadequate spatial coordination. Since human error exists, there are, more often than not, small issues that always arise where objects are occupying the same space or where objects are too close to one another. Based on current construction methods, these problems would only be discovered in the field. BIM allows for multiple users to access the model at a time, see the building details sooner rather than later, and can make adjustments before even leaving the office, saving both time and money. 

To effectively employ BIM’s clash detection, the building model must be detailed. The model should include as much information as possible, such as piping, HVAC ducts, electrical cable trays. The clash detection checks to make sure these components are contained in those volumes and not creating conflicts within the model. Since BIM can also handle shared files, designers and builders in all aspects of the construction process can overlay various layers of detail or sequences of construction and run the clash detection to determine if there are any issues in the design. This is great for projects were multiple contractors or sub-contractors must work simultaneously. In the earliest stages of construction detailing, BIM’s clash detection is extremely useful in detecting conflicts early. Since projects often fall behind schedule or go over budget, this tool seems to be revolutionary in being proactive in construction.

Comments:

Pritesh,

BIM is definitely useful in many facets of construction. I like that you mentioned accuracy of cost estimation. At my last co-op, we would spend so much time on cost estimates only to get a result that was most likely too far off from what we would actually need to spend. BIM provides a way for contractors and designers to do cost estimation almost instantly as they work, which, as you pointed out, shortens the project schedule in the end since you’re not running around trying to find proper costs to evaluate the project with. Overall, BIM just makes all processes more streamlined. 

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/blog-2.html

Michael,

I never thought about the implementation of BIM into current use. I guess that since our generation is more used to technological changes and advancements and embracing them, I just assumed that BIM implementation would happen smoothly. Thinking back on a couple of my co-ops, there were definitely older staff there who were set on using their prefferred version of CAD or did not want to try out a new system for cost estimation. I am glad that you talked about this and the learning curve that would develop, in which there would most likely be a period of lag in productivity as contractors and designers learn a new method, but it seems like BIM is so beneficial that it would be best to do so sooner rather than later.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/michael-manley-b2.html

Stephen,

Interoperability can get so difficult in the civil engineering industry. I also have come across problems in my co-op where one company sends us files in microstation but we need to convert it to autoCAD for it to run with our programs. Or even in Philadelphia, the CIty often requires submission in AutoCAD, but PennDOT requires submission in microstation. I think that an industry standard is a great idea. If not nationwide, statewide. That would make working on projects a lot easier and would save a lot of time. 

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-interoperability-stephen-pettit.html

Elvira-Marie Mikhael - B1

Many people embrace automation. They welcome advancing technology with open arms as a way to increase efficiency and perform tasks that could not have been done before. However, many others wonder how this technology will affect the workforce. If robots can do things better, faster, and smarter, where do humans fit in? A paper by Daron Acemoglu of M.I.T. and Pascual Restrepo of Boston University attempted to determine the negative, direct effects of robots. While it had been previously thought that increased automated technology would create new jobs, so those displaced by the automation could still work in their field, Acemoglu and Restrepo determined that there would be very little employment increase to offset the job losses (Miller). "The conclusion is that even if overall employment and wages recover, there will be losers in the process, and it's going to take a very long time for these communities to recover," said Acemoglu. Between 1990 and 2007, 670,000 people lost manufacturing jobs due to industrial robots--and robots are expected to quadruple. As automation is on the rise, Americans fear that the market economy will not be able to create enough jobs to support all those who have lost them.

Interestingly enough, there are areas of the world that embrace automation--Sweden is one of them. While 72% of Americans are found to be "worried" about a future that included robots and computers in the job force, 80% of Swedes express positive views about robots and artificial intelligence (Sundahl-Djerf). This is most likely due to the fact that Sweden already has a safety net in place to help its workers. As the Swedish minister for employment and integration, Ylva Johansson, says, "We won't protect jobs. But we will protect workers." In the United States, where many people depend on employers for health insurance, job losses can be detrimental to the family. Whereas in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, governments provide free health care--one less thing to worry about. Additionally, job security councils that are financed by employers help those who lost jobs find new jobs; 83% of participants in the TRR Trygghetsradet have found new jobs this year. Sweden's major industry, mining, is becoming  increasingly more automated since the only to ensure profit is to increase efficiency. Their industry is moving forward with self-driving trucks, loaders controlled by joysticks, wireless internet, and tablet computers. Fredrik Hases, the head of the union chapter representing technicians says, "No one feels like they are taking jobs away. It's about doing more with the people we've got."


Miller, Claire Cain. "Evidence That Robots are Winning the Race for American Jobs." Evernote. 28 Mar. 2017.  https://www.evernote.com/shard/s3/nl/125986/f4764655-3cb4-43e6-a0f1-0776f7dc9e02?title=Evidence%20That%20Robots%20Are%20Winning%20the%20Race%20for%20American%20Jobs

Sundahl-Djerf, Linus. "The Robots are Coming, and Sweden is Fine." Evernote. 27 Dec. 2017. https://www.evernote.com/shard/s3/nl/125986/5decd471-bf33-447d-9a07-9e595c489f58?title=The%20Robots%20Are%20Coming%2C%20and%20Sweden%20Is%20Fine



Responses to Blog Posts:

Amanda,

As your article about AI mentioned, 375 million people would loose jobs by 2030 due to the rise in AI. My articles were also about automation's effects on the workforce, and I think that it is something that should definitely be considered. The robot tax is interesting because it kind of hinders innovation. I understand its purpose but how is a country or industry supposed to grow and compete without increasing efficiency and doing things faster and better? At the end you mentioned that proper changes in training are important, and I think that is definitely key. If you provide training or other ways for employees to potentially get a new job before there's is taken over by robots, it would most likely slow the rise of unemployment.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/ai-httpswww.html


Michael,

I really appreciate your take on this. I think it is absolutely absurd that replacing human interaction with automation in teaching is even a possibility. There are so many books, studies, and reports that show that social interactions are key to students' success. I think that a lot of people are a little too concerned about productivity and efficiency and they forget the fact that people are in fact, human beings. I found your comment about frequent social interactions for children are important in forming self-esteem, responsibility, and humor really interesting--I did not know that all of these traits come out of basic human interaction.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/michael-manley-b1.html


Andrew,

I really liked the article about tech and farming. I never knew that automation had a place in the farming industry. It definitely makes sense from an optimization standpoint. Even though I would assume that you wouldn't be able to replace human farmers, I wonder if self-driving machinery could be created that would remove the need for farmers in the field entirely.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b1-robotics-ai-3d-printing-future.html

Intelligent Building Group E

Intelligent Building

An intelligent building is one that is adaptive. It senses the environment and makes appropriate changes. It is aware of its users and occupants and their needs. It aims for efficiency, ultimately trying to create a more green building.

About Me -- Elvira-Marie Mikhael

Hello, my name is Elvira-Marie Mikhael and I am a fourth year Civil Engineering student pursuing my bachelor and masters degrees in Structures. I have no experience with BIM, but I am excited to learn! I am primarily interested in highway and roadway design, so two--soon to be three--of my co-op were in the transportation industry. I am experienced in using AutoCAD and Civil 3D from my first co-op, where I designed curb ramps, intersections, road diets, and more. I am also experienced in using Microstation and InRoads, where I redesigned and realigned intersections and designed signing and striping plans. I hope to delve deeper into roadway design in my third and final co-op.

My expectations for this class are to learn more about intelligent buildings: what we can get out of them, how to make them more efficient, determine the necessity of utilizing such structures, etc. My background is building related specifically, but my concentration in structures emphasizes my interest in structures, specifically buildings. I want to know how technology has and can influence development of all structures in all phases of construction.

The Evernote article I found most interesting was "ROBOTS WILL TAKE JOBS FROM MEN, THE YOUNG, AND MINORITIES" under the tag "sociology." This article discussed the outcomes of automated manufacturing and how it disproportionally affects young black and hispanic men. Because lower-skilled jobs like food service, construction, and manufacturing are often held by ethnic minorities, they are more likely to get hit the hardest.

My definition of an intelligent building is one that utilizes technology and newfound mechanisms to benefit its occupants and the space it occupies.

Student Names - Placeholder

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